Darren Down Under

Darren has landed safely in Oz, and our two week adventure has only just begun! 

The first two days have been spent exploring the Gold Coast Beaches, tasting a few of the staple food groups; Aussie beer, sausage sizzle, Thai food & wine....

Jen 

Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast QLD

Hey dad, less than 2 days in Australia and we've already managed to catch 6 Wahoo... granted these ones didn't have as much fight in them as the ones in Mexico, but still very tasty :)

Darren

Award Winning Wahoo Beer from WA  

New Campervan Unveiled!

I've finally found & bought a campervan, thanks so much for your help & contributions from that long ago fundraiser!

Already dubbed with the name of Mr.Rainbow, this 1980 Daihatsu Delta Pop Top Campervan is ready to hit the not-so dusty red roads of Australia, the cooler climes of the south are calling!

My Queensland plates and newly acquired Queensland Drivers License.

I've spent the last two days giving him a good spring clean (a la Dad style), with Rome's help. I've gone over the whole interior, pulling everything apart, cleaning & then putting it all back together again.

The Dining/Future Work Room

Rome has gone over the whole exterior, degreased the engine & the side door slider, double checked the engine, installed a second battery for the lights & fridge.

 Rome working hard while Joel is hardly working.

The only thing missing is a couple of good awnings out the side & back doors to extend the living space further :P

Can you believe I’ve even found some canvas in him? and good quality canvas at! Sending out my heartfelt thanks yet again to all those who helped finance this purchase!

Jen

For more photos of this delightful van;

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=267508&id=538686439&l=1ec7a2adbc

Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast QLD

Burleigh Heads is directly in-between Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise offering a wonderful National Park where you can get to see some fabulous scenery and a range of wildlife, as well as more great Gold Coast beaches. 

The beach at Burleigh Heads

The beaches in Burleigh are lined with beautiful parkland, with picnic and BBQ areas, and every Sunday night there is a gathering called “Burleigh Beat”, where you can find hundreds of people fire twirling, juggling, drumming, slacklining and dancing.

I can usually be found in the middle dancing!

 It's a great way to spend a Sunday evening!

Cabriata Beach, Northern NSW

A visit from Pamela, Roger & Enzo from Sydney, brings on some more exploration to yet another beautiful Australian beach & surf spot.

Pamela & Roger 

Cabriata Beach

New Years 2011

Niesh & I pretty much arrived at this house party already dancing & smiling about 10pm  and didn't stop until 6am!  It was an awesome night with the Bardon Crew; Niesha, Glenn, Rome, Adrian and Jaimie. 

Moi, Calum, Niesha

The Outdoor Dancefloor

Stompin'it!

The Indoor Dancefloor, Rome

Thanks for a spectacular night Calum & Ben!

Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads

About a two hour hike along the Gold Coast beaches... first real day of sun in over a week!

Surfers in the distance (the skyrises)

Burleigh Heads

A Queensland Christmas

A relaxing day spent with old housemates; Niesha, Rome & Ruwan with their mother Kamura...a quiet Srilankan Christmas in Australia. I made a little impromptu Christmas tree with one of the potted plants from outside, with sunglasses, ribbons & small toys from around the house as ornaments.